Positively Dance has been very busy lately with activities in southwest Michigan and beyond.
They recently completed a collection drive for personal items for children and teens in local communities. It was brought to the group’s attention that there was a need for personal care items at local schools.
Positively Dance responded by collecting soap, shampoo, toothbrushes and other personal care items to donate to Dowagiac, Cassopolis, Decatur and Edwardsburg schools. These items will be distributed by school personnel to students in need.
The Positively Dance competition team recently competed at two Dance America regional competitions. The first was in Chicago on Feb. 17-18. They also attended the Detroit competition March 10.
The team fared very well, receiving 26 first places, eight seconds, one third, one fifth and one merit award (combined results).
Eight dancers qualified for the Dancer of the Year program at Dance America’s finals this year.
In the senior division, Mary Green of Cassopolis, Sarah Wagner of Watervliet, Jenna Tidey of Eau Claire, Paulina Yu of Paw Paw and Savanna Yu of Paw Paw qualified.
Junior DOTY qualifiers were MiKayla Bunn of Paw Paw, Mary Wright of Cassopolis and Mariah-Joy Francois of Dowagiac. These young ladies have the opportunity to participate in a special program with other dancers from across the United States this coming July.
The team was awarded Overall Best Technical Execution for Handful of Keys, Overall Best Precision for Super Mario Brothers and Overall Best Emotional Execution for Frost.
Other special awards included Junior High Score Solo — Mariah-Joy Francois; Junior High Score Due — Super Mario Brothers; Junior First Runner-up High Score Duo — Hey Mickey; Junior Second Runner-up Small Group — Rockin’ Robin; Junior Second Runner-up High Score Large Group — Hold Me; Senior Second Runner-up Production — Pirates of the Caribbean; and Senior Second Runner-up High Score Small Group — Creatures.
Savanna Yu was recognized with the Senior Most Promising Performer Award, given to a performer judges felt stood out for the whole competition.
The performance team is now preparing to present its spring show next month.
All 33 members of Positively Dance and their instructors have been working hard to prepare a wonderful show for 1:30 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. April 22 at Dowagiac Middle School Performing Arts Center.
Tickets for the show will be available from any Positively Dance member or may be purchased at MKSOD. Tickets cost $5 for adults and $3 for students before the show or $7 for adults and $5 for students at the door. Children under 5 are free. Call 782-7869 for more information.
Positively Dance is also getting ready to participate in the Schoolcraft Showcase of Talent. This benefit takes place May 5 at Schoolcraft High School. Many dance studios from all over southwest Michigan will gather to perform and raise funds for the families of two area children suffering from bone cancer.
Following the Schoolcraft event, Positively Dance will be attending the Dance America National Finals, followed by a special trip to share their love of dance with the Bahamas.
The group has been invited to travel with Carnival Cruise lines, performing on the cruise and in the Bahamas this July.
There are many fundraisers in progress to assist members to cover costs for their upcoming endeavors. A raffle is planned to raise funds. Tickets cost $5 each. Prizes are: first place, iPad 2; second place, flat screen television; third place, $50 Family Fare gift card; and fourth place, $20 Sears gift card. Winners will be drawn on June 10.
Positively Dance is directed by Kathy Miller. Instructors include Kathy Miller, Heidi Sibley, Amanda Hewitt, Randi Count, MacKenzie Bunn and Mallory Cox.
The team is supported by Positively Dance Boosters.